The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau yesterday introduced Bill 21, the Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act, which would make Manitoba the first province in Canada to adopt a provincewide smoking ban as of Oct. 1. The bill reflects extensive consultations held throughout the province last year and the consensus reached that action needs to be taken to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. "Bill 21 follows the unanimous recommendations of the All-Party Committee on Environmental Tobacco Smoke," Rondeau said. "It reflects the views of most Manitobans at public hearings that they should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke." The legislation applies to enclosed public places and indoor workplaces as recommended by the all-party committee, the minister said. Thirteen hearings were held in 12 communities last year and included representation from health care professionals, business organizations, municipal officials, community organizations and private citizens. The committee also met with Wally-Fox Decent, chair of the Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, to discuss his committee's recommendation to ban smoking in Manitoba workplaces. Rondeau said the experiences of smoking bans in Winnipeg and Brandon have also helped in developing the proposed provincial legislation. "Officials in Thompson hope to have a ban by spring, meaning 70 per cent of Manitoba will be smoke free," Rondeau said. "Our October deadline will give businesses in other jurisdictions time to adjust to the change." Fines under Bill 21 would follow those set under the existing Non-Smoking Protection Act. Rondeau said the province remains committed to working with business owners to deal with the impact of the smoking ban. "We take seriously the concerns of the hospitality industry expressed during public hearings and continue to consult with business as we move forward toward our Oct. 1 implementation date," the minister said.
